Small Maker Spotlight: Celebrating AAPI Month with Do Young from Wick + Paper

We’re excited to bring you the next Maker Spotlight in our Small Maker Series, where we get to introduce you to some of our fellow creatives, small business owners, and entrepreneurs from the DC area and beyond. In each blog feature, they’ll share a bit about their story, the products they create, and the culture and experiences that inspire their work. 

In celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month, we are featuring Do Young Ahn, from Wick & Paper, a fellow artist and maker based in Arlington, VA, whose products are inspired by everyday places and environments.

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MEET DO YOUNG FROM WICK & PAPER

1. Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your brand?

Hi! My name is Do Young Ahn, and I’m the founder of Wick & Paper, an independent candle and design brand based in Arlington, Virginia, just outside of Washington, DC.

I’ve worked as a brand designer for over 20 years, and Wick & Paper originally began as a creative project outside of client work — a space where I could build a brand of my own from the ground up.

My interest in candle-making started after exploring different candles and becoming curious about how fragrance quality, wax types, and scent throw could change the experience of a space. That curiosity eventually led me into hand-pouring candles myself.

What began with hand-poured candles gradually expanded into paper goods and other design-focused products, including paper goods, tote bags, mugs, magnets, and pins. Much of my work is inspired by everyday places and environments — bookstores, museums, cafés, old buildings, city walks, and the atmosphere of DC and Arlington.

2. How does your AAPI heritage influence your creative work? Are there specific memories, traditions, or stories from your family or upbringing that inform what you make?

I think my perspective comes more from growing up between cultures rather than directly creating work inspired by traditional Korean aesthetics. I’m a naturalized U.S. citizen, and most of my education and creative background developed in the United States, so my work is shaped by a mix of experiences and influences.

A lot of the inspiration behind Wick & Paper came from my experience as a designer. After spending over 20 years creating work for other brands and companies, I eventually wanted to build something that felt more personal and connected to my own interests and perspective.

Being part of the AAPI community has also influenced the way I think about creativity, storytelling, and connection, even if it’s not always expressed in a direct or obvious way through the products themselves.

3. What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?

I think it’s meaningful to see AAPI creatives, Asian-owned small businesses, and local communities being supported and celebrated. As a small business owner, I’ve been grateful for opportunities to connect with other artists, makers, and business owners through pop-ups, workshops, and community events throughout the DMV area.

I really appreciate the sense of connection that comes from collaborating, hosting events, and supporting one another as small businesses and creatives. It’s been inspiring to be part of that kind of environment

4. We’re big fans of your DC Collection and love carrying it along with some of your other goods in our DCA airport store! What was it about DC that made you feel compelled to translate it into a collection?

Thank you so much! Even though I live in Arlington, VA, DC has always been a big part of my life. I worked in downtown DC for years, and there’s always been something about the city that stayed with me creatively.

When people think of DC, they often think of monuments or cherry blossoms, but for me it’s also the feeling of old books, historic buildings, museums, rainy sidewalks, politics, Metro rides, coffee shops, and the different personalities and cultures layered throughout the city. There’s a certain atmosphere to DC that feels both historic and creative at the same time.

The collection originally started with candles, but over time I expanded it into tote bags, mugs, magnets, pins, and paper goods. As a designer, I enjoy creating products that feel connected to the everyday experience and atmosphere of the city rather than simply functioning as typical souvenirs.

5. In addition to making candles and paper goods, you also host candle-making workshops. What do you enjoy most about connecting with people through these experiences?

One thing I really enjoy is the direct connection with people. Since I don’t have a storefront, pop-ups and workshops have always been one of the main ways I get to meet customers in person and hear their reactions firsthand.

When I first started doing pop-ups while still working full-time as a designer, a big part of it was testing products, developing designs, and seeing what people genuinely connected with. I’ve always appreciated hearing people’s feedback and watching them experience the products in real life rather than just online.

I’m actually introverted, so at first it felt a little outside of my comfort zone. But over time, I realized those interactions were also what gave me energy and motivation to keep building the brand. There’s something really rewarding and personal about connecting with people through something you created.

6. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your brand or business? Anything coming up you want our readers to check out?

I’m especially excited to continue expanding the pin and small goods side of Wick & Paper. As a designer, I love creating playful little objects that people can collect, wear, or gift, and I’m currently working on more seasonal and character-based pin designs alongside upcoming fall and winter candle collections.

I’ll also continue hosting workshops and participating in local events around the DMV area. Readers can follow along on Instagram at @wickpaper or visit the website for upcoming releases, workshops, and events.

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You can find Wick and Paper candles at The Neighborgoods DC, our gift shop located at Reagan National Airport. Stop by and smell them the next time you're traveling through DC. Our gift shop is located inside Terminal 2 in the National Hall, closest to the C Gates, after security.

We’re so glad to celebrate Do Young's story as we celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Stay tuned for our next feature in our Small Maker Series as we continue highlighting makers whose heritage and artistry continue to inspire us everyday.

Thanks for reading!